Russia is undoubtedly good enough to challenge for a title if things fall right, but things need to go perfectly in a way it doesn't need to for a team such as Canada. They also struggle with the fact that, I'd argue, defensive tactics is easier to learn in an rushed environment than offensive tactics and compatibility. Meaning that their great strength is crippled by time, and the disparity between their defensive weaknesses and other team's defenses becomes even greater.
I hope (and genuinely so, even though I want Sweden to beat them) that the lack of pressure, at least internationally, will allow Russia to grow comfortable and perform not only up to their ability, but beyond it. I think of Finland, a team that allows exceeds expectations, yet are never viewed as a credible title threat - perhaps there is a direct correlation between the two?
